About us
When brilliant science gets trapped by communication barriers, innovation fails and frontline users miss out on the capabilities they need.
We're here to help you solve those communication challenges.

We speak both languages. Yours and theirs
What makes us different? We have technical experts in our team who work directly with highly experienced communications professionals.
We rapidly understand both your complex innovations and the cognitive barriers that prevent adoption. No lengthy learning curves. No oversimplification that loses the essence. We get what you do quickly, so we can crack on with making sure other people get it too.

Your specialist guides
Looking for a generalist? We're not right for you. We're specialists - and that's exactly why our clients choose us.
We know the ecosystem inside and out. The MOD landscape. The procurement challenges. The operational requirements. We can identify and analyse your audiences quickly and accurately, ensuring your communications create real influence where it matters most.
We've successfully guided organisations across the entire spectrum - from Dstl and major primes to innovative SMEs.
Your complete solution
We're not just consultants who disappear after giving advice. We're your full-service partners, with you throughout the entire journey from breakthrough to frontline.
Whether you need strategic guidance, hands-on execution or a key extension of your team, we adapt to what you need. Because real transformation requires sustained support, not just good intentions.


What makes us the perfect guide?
- We understand your world. We're passionate about innovation and supporting the people who serve. Many of our team have walked the same paths you're walking now.
- We're relentlessly creative. We constantly seek better ways to bridge the communication gaps that slow innovation. Standard approaches rarely work for extraordinary science.
- We're endlessly curious. We challenge assumptions, ask difficult questions and never stop learning. Because breakthrough innovation requires breakthrough thinking.
- We're proven performers. Our track record speaks for itself - from helping startups achieve global recognition to supporting major programmes gain stakeholder confidence.
Sound like the guides you need for your innovation journey?
Here’s what our clients think

Why we do what we do
The Canny team is purpose-driven. We're compelled to ensure the people who protect and serve our country have access to the best possible innovations.
As a specialist SME, we combine the agility and innovation focus that defence strategy champions with deep sector expertise and proven results. We're keen supporters of the military community, actively employing veterans, reservists, and military spouses.
We've earned the silver-level award in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme and provide pro-bono support to military charity Heropreneurs, helping veterans and military spouses become entrepreneurs.
This unique combination of agility, expertise and military connection is why organisations trust us to guide their most critical innovation journeys.
The team

Lindsay Compton
Founder, CEO and senior communications consultant

Helena Holden
Operations director

Les Gregory
Industry advisor

Fred Harbottle
Military advisor

Mark Hawkins
Innovation and technology consultant

Annabel Mead
Communications and marketing consultant

Natalie Roberts
Pod lead

Piers Taylor
Senior communications consultant

Patrick Morgan
Account manager

Peter Thompson
Graphic designer

Sophie Croft
Graphic designer

Rory Sparks
CGI animation and 3D design

Clare Partridge
Delivery excellence manager

Suzie Stanier
Business administrator

Annabelle Davies
Associate

Jessica Brown
Proofreader and copy editor

Corvus LeLean
Junior associate